Mike Pence creates PAC in preparation for 2018 midterms

Though neither Vice Presidents Joe Biden nor Dick Cheney created their own separate PACs, George H.W. Bush created the Fund for America's Future ahead of his 1988 presidential run. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen)

Vice President Mike Pence has created his own political action committee aimed at assisting Republican candidates in the 2018 midterm elections.

Called the Great America Committee, the vice president will be able to use the new political arm to help Republicans maintain control of the House and the Senate. The money raised by the PAC can also be used to pay for travel costs on Air Force Two during future campaigns.

Pence's move to create a separate PAC is unusual, but not unprecedented. Typically, White House officials have used party or campaign money to pay for travel costs.

Though neither Vice Presidents Joe Biden nor Dick Cheney created their own separate PACs, George H.W. Bush created the Fund for America's Future ahead of his 1988 presidential run.

Nick Ayers, a senior adviser to Pence during the 2016 campaign, will be leading the PAC, according to Bloomberg,

"The vice president is playing a leading role in passing legislation on the Hill," he told the outlet. "He wants to support House and Senate members who are helping pass the president's agenda."

News of the PAC's creation comes after congressional Democrats and Republicans demanded more information from President Donald Trump on his alleged attempt to influence the FBI's investigation into former national security adviser Michael Flynn.

The FBI is also investigating Moscow's influence on the 2016 election.

Sheila Krumholz, executive director of the Center for Responsive, told Bloomberg that Pence's decision to start the PAC could be a window into his political future.

"Launching a leadership PAC sometimes signals an intent to run for higher office, which in Pence's case, has been a topic of public interest ever since he was first nominated," she said.